Citygritty 8212; Pune

Hissssssing mythsIs it poisonous? '' Can you open its mouth?'' This and a chorus of other curious questions filled the air as a cobra...

Hissssssing myths
8220;Is it poisonous? 8221; 8220;Can you open its mouth?8221; This and a chorus of other curious questions filled the air as a cobra curled on the floor at a snake show held at Crossword, he bookstore on Sunday. The function organised by the Centre for Environment Education was the release of its publication, Walking the Wild Path,8217; a book that compiles real-life stories of fifteen wildlife enthusiasts. Edited by Mamata Pandya and Meena Raghunathan, it contains illustrations and photographs.

A clutch of eager children and wildlife buffs watched wide-eyed as Shriram Shinde of the Katraj Snake Park handled by turns, a baby python, a bright green grass snake and an intricately patterned trinket snake. Debunking the common belief that snakes are fearful out to harm human beings Shinde said, 8220;Almost 85 per cent of all snakes are poisonous.8221; Of course, all eyes were rivetted on the cobra, which was brought on towards the end.

A slide show on the Lakshadweep islands and the wildlife at Ranthambhor conducted by author Deepak Dalal also formed part of the function. What unfolded was the different coloured coral reef, a variety of fish including the carpet shark, the murray eel and the reef shark that form part of the islands8217; natural treasurehouse. Slides of the graceful chital and the majestic tigers of Ranthambhor were also shown. An interactive function, it was plain that the children were having a fun time. Some home truths too were driven home. When one slide showed the two full-grown cubs with their mother, one inquisitive child asked 8220;Where is father tiger?8221;

When Dalal observed that father tiger does not participate at all, a member of the audience quipped 8220;Just like our fathers8221; Hmm8230; a message in that observation?

Dream theme
It is amazing how movies influence everything. Even pizzas. Or their outlets to get the facts right. And if the movie is Star Wars Episode I 8212; The Phantom Menace, the action epic, it is well worth the meals. For the next one month, all the Pizza Hut and KFC restaurants will celebrate the theme with Star Wars toys. With exciting replicas of movie characters up for grabs. The catch is you have to buy the kids8217; meal. Our very apna Pizza Hut on Jungli Maharaj Road is all done up with Jar Jar Binks, a food stealer, greeting you at the doorway.

The meal deal entitles customers to a free theme toy. Every two weeks, a new action toy will be on offer. The promo extends to all Pizza Hut delivery and takeaway outlets. So while, the elders can tuck into the pizza and glug down the Pepsi, the kids can bring home the toys. Or it could work vice-versa. Eat and be merry.

Magic moments
Rafi8217;s Magic will be at work. Here is a break for all you Mohammed Rafi fans. The Mohammed Rafi Fans8217; Group is organising a musical programme on Monday at Balgandharav Rangmandir at 9.30 p.m.

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Shridhar Kulkarni and Ganesh Bagdare, spokesmen of the group have managed to get music director Ravi for the show. The purpose being that you actually have the distinguished artiste amidst you for even more excitement. Iqbal Darbar, promises to brighten your moods by singing the famed songs from the well-know movies like Chaudhavi ka chand, Waqt, Humraz, Neelkamal, Dilli ka Thag, Nazarana, Ghungat and many more. The orchestra is going to be conducted by Anil Gode. This is the second venture in Pune. So, be here to for this is the place to be. Enjoy.